A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fairbanks vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Hiking, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Fairbanks or Vancouver?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Fairbanks or Vancouver? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a unique, outdoorsy, and remote city. Many visitors also come to Fairbanks because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a outdoorsy, scenic, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vancouver travel costs.

Fairbanks and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fairbanks or Vancouver?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vancouver than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vancouver is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing and impressive beauty. Vancouver is more touristy than Fairbanks and is known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. Also, Vancouver is famous for Stanley Park. Fairbanks is well known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Fairbanks different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vancouver and Fairbanks. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Fairbanks or Vancouver Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is adequate for skiing. However, Vancouver is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Fairbanks to take advantage of their winter sports. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Vancouver is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fairbanks or Vancouver?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Vancouver has many famous sights for visitors. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Fairbanks is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

Is the Food Better in Fairbanks or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vancouver is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Vancouver has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Fairbanks or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Vancouver is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Vancouver has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Fairbanks or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Vancouver specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Fairbanks. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Fairbanks or Vancouver?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Vancouver specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

Fairbanks is a great destination for shopping. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Is Fairbanks or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Fairbanks because of it's amazing beauty. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Is Fairbanks or Vancouver Better for Families?

Vancouver is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Vancouver. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Fairbanks or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Vancouver makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Is Fairbanks or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks and Vancouver are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Vancouver. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Is Fairbanks or Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Fairbanks is not popular with students.

Vancouver is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

Is Fairbanks or Vancouver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Vancouver is top-notch. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Fairbanks or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Vancouver. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

Fairbanks is not a walkable city. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting? and Is Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Fairbanks?

How long in Fairbanks or Vancouver?

In either Fairbanks or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than Fairbanks because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Fairbanks, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

Families should spend more time in Vancouver than Fairbanks. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Vancouver, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Vancouver than Fairbanks. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Vancouver that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver than Fairbanks if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Vancouver.

One day in Fairbanks or Vancouver?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Fairbanks. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

People visit Vancouver because there is so much to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Fairbanks or Vancouver?

You'll find museums and shopping around the unique destination of Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

People visit Vancouver because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Fairbanks or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the remote city of Fairbanks. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

People visit Vancouver because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Fairbanks or Vancouver?

Fairbanks is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Vancouver is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairbanks and Vancouver, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Vancouver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vancouver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vancouver and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks than you might in Vancouver.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fairbanks Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fairbanks or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Fairbanks and Vancouver, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Fairbanks or Vancouver?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairbanks and Vancouver. Most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Fairbanks is around the same temperature as Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fairbanks in July average around 64°F (18°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In July, Fairbanks usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vancouver. Fairbanks gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fairbanks as well as Vancouver. The autumn months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In October, Fairbanks is generally much colder than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Fairbanks average around 27°F (-3°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Fairbanks usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Fairbanks gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and Fairbanks are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vancouver for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vancouver. It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the winter. Fairbanks is much colder than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Fairbanks averages around -9°F (-23°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In January, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Fairbanks gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Fairbanks during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vancouver in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. In the spring, Fairbanks is much colder than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fairbanks in April average around 32°F (0°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Fairbanks usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Fairbanks gets 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Fairbanks